VIRIDITAS: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
I had two retirements — one from the Navy as a U.S. Navy chaplain in 2006, and one from active ministry in 2014. When one realizes that one cannot function in the best way that one used to be able to, then it is about time to retire. If you do some service with the totality of yourself, but half of you is not able to deliver, then why push it? It is not good for everyone. Let others take over. It is not easy to let go, but the body will tell you when you need to. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is not willing anymore. Just trust the Lord.
I came from a very poor family in the northern part of the Philippines. Although there were many hardships, my mother was always patient, charitable and generous. I was the only child and had lost my father when I was about two months old. Through my mother being very religious and having a big influence on me, I was able to see that it was the grace of God at work in everything. You have to pray for the grace of God. Pray to the Holy Spirit and to the Blessed Mother. Give yourself a chance to grow under their protection. Challenges will always be there in life.
In 1975, my aunt had told me that the Diocese of Honolulu was looking for an Ilocano-speaking priest to do mission work across the islands with the Filipino communities. I was accepted for the ministry and began the missions at Our Lady of the Mount Parish in Kalihi in the same year. It was a very challenging five years. I preached weeklong missions at 44 parishes. Sharing the faith during the parish missions was taxing, but also reviving. I am grateful to the priests who were accepting and accommodating.
My 20 years in the Navy were also filled with challenges. But the experiences enriched my priesthood as I was able to serve in different stations and ministries.
It is easy to give up when challenges present themselves. But if you are used to facing big challenges, when the next one comes, it will be easier. Just talk to God. He does listen. Be thankful for many things. Thank God for all of the blessings. As I look back on my life, I feel as if I don’t deserve all the good God has bestowed upon me. There is no reason to complain.
Challenges that the youth of the world today face are much different from those I have experienced. There are computers and influencers, so much more to distract one. Just remember that the grace of God is in your heart, in their hearts. Hearts are made of flesh and blood. Let your strength be from the Lord. Have faith in sharing your wisdom. Somebody will be touched. The grace of God and the Blessed Mother are always at work. Hele on! Just trust the Lord!
Father Adrian R. Gervacio is a diocesan priest and a retired U.S. Navy chaplain. He was born in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. He is 54 years ordained and serves as pastor-emeritus at Our Lady of the Mount Parish in Kalihi Valley.
